Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Klamath Falls, OR: $33.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Klamath Falls, OR runs $33.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Klamath Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,149 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is set at $33.77, which falls slightly below the national average of $35.74. This hourly rate is indicative of the compensation structure in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, where occupational therapy assistants often find employment. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a reliable income stream, while per-diem professionals may leverage sessions to maximize earnings. The hourly pay range reflects entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.97 and top earners earning around $40.08 per hour, revealing opportunities for financial growth within this career path. These data points are derived from annual salary estimates, forming a basis for understanding the hourly compensation trends expected in 2026.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.97 | $207.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.78 | $238.27 |
| Median (P50) | $33.77 | $270.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.48 | $291.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.08 | $320.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Klamath Falls
Based on $33.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.77/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Klamath Falls, OR can expect to earn approximately $70,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,528. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Klamath Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Klamath Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,350.92 | $5,854 | $70,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $810.55 | $3,512 | $42,149 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.37 | $2,342 | $28,099 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Klamath Falls) | $33.77 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $70,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.48% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $76,284.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.77/hr = $42,149/year (purchasing power: $41,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,248/year (purchasing power: $68,468).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Klamath Falls grew 17.5% from $27.95/hr (2019) to $32.85/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.72/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Klamath Falls
For those considering a part-time role as an occupational therapy assistant in Klamath Falls, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income that's significantly less than a full-time salary. Depending on the number of weeks worked per year, a part-time occupational therapy assistant might earn around $48,000 annually, while full-time counterparts can expect to make closer to $70,257 in 2026. Per-diem or agency COTAs might command slightly higher rates, usually billing between $30 and $45 per hour for non-committal work, with travel contracts paying anywhere from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. With the rise in agency opportunities post-2022, compensation in skilled nursing facilities has seen declines due to reimbursement cuts. This situation creates a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits; some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower pay for positions with health insurance and consistent hours while others may seek higher hourly rates without additional benefits. Negotiation skills are essential in this environment, and understanding the pay variations across different employer types can significantly influence prospects in Klamath Falls.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Klamath Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Klamath Falls?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Klamath Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Klamath Falls?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Klamath Falls?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Klamath Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Klamath Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov